Westmeath 2-10 Longford 1-10: Westmeath survived a late rally from Longford to book their place in the next round of the Leinster championship today, ending an unwanted losing sequence in the process.
Westmeath had suffered three successive defeats in this fixture but, coming off the back of a positive league campaign, set about their task impressively at Pearse Park.
Indeed, the margin of victory would have been more comfortable but for a late Paul Barden goal that re-ignited Longford's challenge. However, Tomás Ó Flatharta's side held their nerve to set up a meeting with Offaly on June 7th.
Longford started brightly enough, Kevin Mulligan earning the distinction of notching the opening score of this year's championship, but Westmeath soon eased into their stride.
The defensive unit that served them so well in the league campaign was particularly effective in shackling Brian Kavanagh while at the other end Brian Glennon and Dessie Dolan, a late inclusion, were beginning to cause problems.
And when the first of their two goals arrived, it was no more than the visitors deserved as Alan Mangan beat Damien Sheridan from the penalty spot.
Sheridan was beaten again before the interval, Glennon outstripping the Longford defence before guiding the ball under the custodian from a tight angle.
Leading 2-4 to 0-5 at the break, Westmeath were successful in keeping Longford at arm's length until Barden's late intervention.
The forward capped a surging run with a powerful shot past Gary Connaughton to breathe new life into his side.
Suddenly the comeback looked on, but Westmeath managed to soak up the pressure and when Fergal Wilson added his third and final free the game was up for the home side.
Westmeath: 1. G Connaughton; 2. F Boyle, 3. K Gavin, 4. J Keane; 6. D Heavin, 5. M Ennis, 7. D Healy; 8. D O'Donoghue, 9. M Flanagan (0-3, two frees); 10. F Wilson (0-3, frees), 11. J Smyth, 12. D Harte; 13. A Mangan (1-1, goal penalty), 14. D Glennon (1-1), 28. D Dolan (0-2, frees).
Longford: 1. D Sheridan; 4. D Masterson, 3. A O'Connor, 7. P Kelly; 6. E Williams, 2. N Farrell, 5. DC Reilly; 8. L Keenan, 9. P Dowd; 10. K Mulligan (0-1), 11. P Barden (1-1), 12. P Berry; 13. J Martin (0-3, two frees), 14. B Kavanagh (0-2, one line ball), 15. F McGee (0-3, frees).